Kolkata Knight Riders have rung changes to their coaching staff just two months after the completion of IPL 2019 as a report in Mumbai Mirror suggests that Jacques Kallis and KKR have parted ways. Apart from Kallis, Simon Katich is also not a part of the franchise now. Kallis was associated with the team as the chief coach while Katich was the assistant coach.
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However, Kallis’ association with the team goes back to 2011. He had earlier joined the team as a player and later went on to don various hats, before becoming the chief coach of the franchise in 2016.
KKR did not win an IPL title under him but made it to the playoffs in three out of four seasons – the team failed to qualify for playoffs this year. Under him, the team surprised everyone before the start of IPL 2018 as Dinesh Karthik was appointed as the captain of the franchise.
The fans expected Robin Uthappa to be given the charge, given his long association with the team, but Karthik was given the leadership duties with Uthappa named his deputy. This year, KKR did not have a good run and they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
There were expectations that there might be some changes and KKR management is set to name new coaches in upcoming months.
The report also adds that Trevor Bayliss, who has previously worked with KKR, could rejoin the team. Bayliss coached the team from 2012 to 2014, also leading them to title victory in 2012 under Gautam Gambhir.
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Bayliss is currently associated with England cricket team. His contract ends after Ashes series and the veteran coach has already confirmed that he will not be renewing his contract, which gives a sign that he could be back in IPL.
There can be a case when Bayliss might also bring his support staff at KKR. It remains to be seen if Baylss takes over the KKR job.
For now, the report also adds that Dinesh Karthik will continue to lead the team. Under him, KKR qualified for playoffs last year.